The need to suppress “any moves” of Islamic State and
other militant groups towards Russian territory, citizens and
institutions presents a challenge for the government, according
to the deputy minister.

“We are thoroughly analyzing belligerent statements of IS
leaders on transition of the “jihad” to Northern Caucasus and in
Central Asia,” said Syromolotov.

The threat comes from foreign terrorists who travel to Middle
Eastern regions that are occupied by militant groups, and return
to their homeland after training and indoctrination, according to
the diplomat.

“It’s clear that they bring along not only their terrorist
potential itself, but also radical ideas, a source for negative
ideological impact on the society, especially on its most
vulnerable members – the youth, the faithful,” added
Syromolotov, who thinks that radicals are currently “winning
the informational confrontation” due to the
“dissociation” of states that should lead the struggle
against terrorism.

As of January, over 20,000 foreign nationals from about 100
countries around the world were estimated to be fighting for various
militant groups, including Islamic State, according to the
International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation. Of that
total nearly a fifth came from Western Europe, with the UK and
Germany topping the list. Other countries, whose influx exceeds
1,000 people, include Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS/ISIL, has captured large
areas both in Syria, where its combatants have been fighting
since 2012, and in Iraq, which saw the advancement of militants
in 2014.